Q &A – Questions and Artists – Sally Everhardus

The Peninsula Pulse has teamed up with the Door County Art League (DCAL) to reprint portions of interviews conducted by Randy Rasmussen with various artists. To sign up for DCAL’s monthly newsletter or for more information visit http://www.doorcountyartleague.org.

I first met Sally Everhardus at an Ed Fenendael painting class over three years ago. We enjoyed talking and she told me about the Door County Art League which I joined. Our interview took place early in January.

To contact Everhardus, email [email protected]. To view her recent work, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/sallyeverhardus.

Randy Rasmussen (RR): Sally, how did you get started in art?

Sally Everhardus (SE): I remember in kindergarten talking to my best friend. She was going to write children’s books, and I was going to be the illustrator. I always enjoyed drawing. I received a BFA from the University of Michigan and while there, did drawings for research papers. After graduation I worked in graphics and design. My twin passions were art and horses. I have worked in ceramics, weaving, basket making and costume design. As my career evolved, I lived in multiple areas including the Bay area of California, Western Illinois and Saint Louis working in nonprofit fund raising for the arts, a theatre group and education organizations.

RR: When did you come to Door County?

SE: I came to Door County in 2002 as a result of a job opportunity. I liked the area and stayed.

RR: How did your love of three-dimensional artwork develop?

SE: I am very good with power tools. Really three-dimensional work is just something I have always enjoyed.

RR: Did you always enjoy the creative process?

SE: Yes it seemed to fit my personality. The career just evolved.

RR: I always get interesting answers to this question. For you, how does the creative process start?

SE: It seems I always have ideas running through my head. Words, pictures, or phrases can trigger a project, or a project can trigger a phrase. Sitting with a piece of wood is like a water-colorist sitting with a piece of paper.

RR: Sally, what do you like best about living in Door County?

SE: I think Door County has so many interesting people. Another thing I appreciate about Door County is the Artist’s Guild. I can get just about anything I want and don’t have to drive.

RR: In your opinion should art be serious or fun?

SE: For me it is both. I am a breast cancer survivor, and I had work accepted into a show for women artists at the Appleton Art Center. My work was serious and personally meaningful. My four pieces accepted into the Kohler Humor in Art show were fun.

RR: What do you think is the future of art?

SE: I think currently the creative process and artists are the most under utilized part of our society. I think we need to bring the creative people into the public dialogue.